The Eagles released cornerback Brandon Hughes on Saturday, a league source confirmed.

The 27-year-old veteran fractured his hand in the third preseason game against the Jaguars. He had already been ruled out of Monday’s opener against the Redskins.

This could very well be a temporary and financially-driven move.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday the salaries for players that are considered “vested veterans” become guaranteed. By cutting Hughes, who was not going to play this week anyway, the Eagles avoid that guarantee, though he will still be paid for this week. Hughes is scheduled to make $650,000 this season.

The team is not expected to make a corresponding move today to fill the vacated roster spot.

A fifth-round pick by the Chargers in 2009, the Oregon State product has 27 tackles and a pair of passes defensed over the last three seasons with the Eagles.